Windows 8.1 allows you to use a standard desktop screen or the modern Metro Start screen with live tiles for your applications. Optimized and built specifically to be used on touch screen devices, such as tablets and 2-in-1s, the Metro Start screen gives updates for applications like Twitter and Facebook, and the search feature includes local system results as well as results from the web. Other features include the integration of XBox as a media hub, and a synchronized experience across Windows 8.1 devices, including desktops, laptops, and tablets.

A few heartier features for the more technologically inclined are the ability to run ISOs and VHDs natively, which means you can setup and run Linux or other software without burning it to a disc, SkyDrive integration across native and 3rd party applications, AppLocker, which allows only whitelisted applications to be installed and run, and Windows To Go, which provides the option to create a locked-down version of Windows 8.1 on a USB Flash drive usable by temps, contractors, students or anyone, really, to run on their own PC. Using Windows To Go is like plugging in a tiny little computer to your own computer, as it leaves no trace on your own system, and it doesn't receive access to your local storage.

How do I get software for Windows 8.1?

With Windows 8.1, you'll have the option of buying software off the shelf in the usual way as well as browsing all the options in the Windows App Store, able to be accessed right on the Live tiles Start screen. There are plenty of free and premium applications to choose from to customize your PC just the way you want it.

What are the benefits of using Windows 8.1 Pro?

The biggest features for Windows 8.1 Pro are BitLocker and BitLocker To Go, features that were introduced the OS's previous version, Boot from VHD, Client Hyper-V, Encrypting File System, and Remote Desktop Host. Most of these are not necessarily new and specific to Windows 8.1 Professional, but if your are looking to update your operating and retain some of your Pro level applications and functions, then this is the operating system you need.

What is different with Windows 8?

The upcoming version for Microsoft Windows which is codenamed Windows 8 has been setup to revolutionize your personal computing experience. Almost everything in the new OS has been reworked or redesigned for use with current technologies such as touch interface and ARM processor architectures. We will cover a few of the features you'll come to love with the new OS in this article.

First thing that will surely catch the eye of the user is the Metro-style interface which has been redesigned for use with touchscreens, keyboards and mice and is similar to that of the Windows Phone 7 interface. The Metro-style interface is launched at startup so you won't see the old desktop rather you will see Tiles from apps that dynamically changes to provide notifications and alerts. These tiles are fully customizable. If you miss your desktop view, it is still accessible through the clicking the desktop tile in the new interface.

A faster boot time can be expected with Windows 8 thanks to better allocation of resources for applications and the OS itself. The technology is called a Hybrid Boot which combines hibernation and shut down behaviors from previous versions of the OS. For supported machines, boot up times are faster than that of Windows 7 reported to start up within 14 seconds from an off state.

Windows Explorer also has a new look. The new Windows Explorer sports a ribbon interface which is found in Microsoft Office 2007 and 2010. A ribbon interface is very intuitive and helps in cutting down the number of click to execute a specific task.

Aside from the new Windows Explorer, Windows 8 also boasts a new web browser which is Internet Explorer 10. The new web browser promises to be much faster and offer superb security features along with a better support for HTML5.

You also benefit from better file operations with Windows 8. Tasks as copying multiple files and folders include options such as to pause or cancel transfers of specific files. Detailed information such as transfer speeds and time is also available along with a better handling for files conflict.

Perhaps one of the coolest features of Windows 8 is the integration of Windows Live ID. What it means it that you will have access to cloud technology that allows you to link your Windows Live ID with your local account, backup and synchronize your data online so that if your computer is damaged or crashes you'll have the security of having your data backup available for transfer to another machine. Another benefit of synching your Windows Live ID to your local account is that you can easily transfer the settings of your desktop to another desktop by simply logging in to your Live ID account at synchronizing that PC.

Windows Store is also integrated to Windows 8 wherein you can buy Applications that are optimized for use with Windows 8. Windows 8 is USB 3.0 ready and can take advantage of the new standard for USB devices. The support for ARM processors is also available for Windows 8 making it more accessible to a wider range of PCs.

Windows 8 OEM software. We stock the full lineup for Windows 8 software - including both the 32 bit and 64 bit versions. By being a Microsoft partner we are able to offer you the best prices on every version they release so you'll save on the same great genuine Microsoft products you know and love. OEM versions are recommended for new builds or fresh installs on older systems.